A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff
As the Class of 2025 prepared to soar from University of Mary Washington, we turned the spotlight on graduating seniors. These Eagles have spent their college years finding what matters most, rising to challenges and lighting the way for others. Before they take flight, meet some of UMW’s seniors whose stories reflect the spirit of our campus community. Read their stories.
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After nine months of work, Eagle Summit participants celebrate their accomplishments at a recognition ceremony last week.
After nine months of study, collaboration and training, the inaugural cohort from ‘Eagle Summit: Advancing Supervisory Leadership at UMW’ celebrated their accomplishments with a capstone presentation and recognition ceremony held at UMW’s Stafford campus last week. The event marked the culmination of a two-semester journey for 13 dedicated UMW employees from various departments across campus.
Selected through a nomination and application process, the group met in person twice monthly over nine months in sessions starting last fall that featured coaching, expert speakers and discussion of the leadership book, Think Again by Adam Grant.
“The program was grounded in competencies from UMW’s Quality Enhancement Plan,” said Director of Continuing and Professional Studies Teresa Segelken, who spearheaded the curriculum. “It encouraged self-reflection, cross-department collaboration and practical application of management principles.”
At the recognition ceremony, four teams gave capstone presentations that addressed University challenges, such as promoting employee well-being, improving campus communication strategies, streamlining systems for better process efficiency, and enhancing the student experience through a new 24/7 package delivery system.
President Troy Paino, Provost Tim O’Donnell, Associate Provost Kimberly Young and Segelken all offered remarks at the event, praising participants for their commitment and the creative solutions offered in their capstone presentations, as well as fostering conversations across departments. The group’s recommendations will be reviewed with the President’s cabinet to explore implementation options.
Certificates of recognition were presented and a celebratory reception followed. Young applauded Segelken for the Summit’s success, saying she “made this program come to life and executed it with equal vision and passion.”
The program is the product of cross-college collaboration, including University Archivist Sarah Appleby, Dean for Academic Success and Integrity Wes Hillyard and Human Resources Compensation and HRIS Analyst Deborah Burton, who served on the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) subcommittee for staff development and helped shape its direction and focus on skill-building and networking for supervisors.
“From my perspective, it was critical that the implementation of the QEP include our staff and supervisors. These are the people who shape another important part of the student experience oftentimes through student engagement and employment,” Young said. “Teresa was the right leader for this implementation team because she understands leadership development and adult learners.”
“Eagle Summit was powerful,” said participant Kristina Peck, director of clinical experiences and partnerships for the College of Education. “We got to connect with others outside our own areas in a productive, efficient and collaborative environment.” Other participants echoed this, highlighting lessons in empathetic leadership, active listening and the importance of relationship-building across campus.
2024-25 Eagle Summit Cohort:
Angie Kemp, Head of Special Collections & Digital Scholarship, Simpson Library
Michelle Crow-Dolby, Education & Communications Manager, Gari Melchers Home and Studio
Lisa Marvashti, Director of Media & Public Relations, University Communications
Jarod Kearney, Assistant Director & Curator of James Monroe Museum
Alex Ecklund, Director of Disability Resources
Angela Lynch, Associate Registrar Admin & Enroll, Registrar’s Office
Nancy Wang, Health Center Director and Physician
Timothy Saulnier, Director of Financial Aid
Kristina Peck, Director of Clinical Experiences & Partnerships, College of Education
Trish Greene, Head of Access Services & Outreach
Douglas Noble, Executive Director of Dodd Auditorium
Sarah Lindberg, Director of First Year Admissions
Trevya Zukor, Director of Talley Center for Counseling
UMW junior Mallory Thompson at UMW’s Research and Creativity Symposium. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
University of Mary Washington’s campus was alight with ingenuity last week at its 19th annual Research and Creativity Symposium. Students from across academic disciplines presented results of creative projects and scholarly research cultivated alongside faculty mentors throughout the past year.
Junior education major Maddy Woodard built a website to help teachers integrate arts into the classroom. Senior music majors Nathaniel Harvey and Patrick Lynch teamed up with sophomore computer science major Matthew Fenton to explore audio design for video games. Biological science students William Burkey, Aidan Kimener and Michael Afful studied whether exercise improves memory, while classmates Sabrina Perez, Kori Wilson and Paola Marques examined how different levels of physical activity affect anxiety.
These students and hundreds more gave oral presentations and displayed academic posters, engaging the campus and local community in their work. Events spread across the University in places like the Hurley Convergence Center, Dodd Auditorium, James Farmer Hall and more. Music recitals, art exhibitions and even a tree planting – donated by a UMW alumna in memory of her mother and grandmother, both also alumnae – ensured innovation and tradition from every corner of campus were represented. Read more.
UMW’s James Farmer Hall is headquarters of the National Latin Exam.
The University of Mary Washington is celebrating the achievements of seven students who earned national accolades in this year’s National Latin Exam, joining the ranks of top scholars from across the world.
The students, taught by Adjunct Professor Elizabeth Heimbach and visiting Assistant Professor Rebecca Boyd, were awarded distinctions ranging from Cum Laude to the coveted Gold Summa Cum Laude honor. Mary Washington is uniquely positioned in this celebration as not only an academic institution excelling in classical studies, but as the home base of the National Latin Exam itself.
Samuel Pence earned the highest mark, a gold medal, Summa Cum Laude. Dinah McKemie, Elena Shipp and Emma Greer each received silver medals, Maxima Cum Laude. Dylan Terrazas Chavez earned a Magna Cum Laude award, and Catherine Chau and Cameron Golitz received Cum Laude recognition.
The National Latin Exam – which is administered to more than 100,000 students each year in all 50 states and internationally – encourages the personal achievement of students studying Latin language and culture. Exam topics include Latin grammar and vocabulary, Roman history, customs, classical literature and mythology. Read more.
UMW senior Kyle Diederich. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.
Some students spend their college years just trying to stay afloat. University of Mary Washington senior Kyle Diederich – he dove in headfirst.
While pursuing a degree in business administration with a minor in sports management and competing on the varsity swim team, Diederich took on another huge challenge at UMW – helping complete a full-scale renovation of the school’s 60-year-old Goolrick Pool.
“I saw the difficulties this historic facility faced since I was at the pool every day,” said Diederich, who became a student coordinator for aquatics his sophomore year. “I knew I couldn’t just stay quiet; I had to help.”
That realization sparked what he calls a “passion project” that reshaped UMW’s athletic facilities and left a lasting legacy.
“The renovation wouldn’t have happened the way it did without Kyle,” said Director of Campus Recreation Michael Middleton, who worked closely with Diederich on the project. “His diligence, passion and perseverance during the undertaking were incredible.” Read more.
Pictured (from left) are Grace Sylvia, who is pursuing a Master of Education degree; Associate Professor of Education Christy Irish; and Sarah Batchelor, who graduated in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
When it comes to excellence in teaching, the University of Mary Washington was recently honored for A+ achievement by the Virginia Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (VACTE).
Three UMW College of Education members received awards for their exceptional efforts. Grace Sylvia, who is pursuing a Master of Education degree, took Outstanding Student in a Virginia Advance Preparation Program; Sarah Batchelor ’24 accepted Outstanding Student in a Virginia Licensure Program and Associate Professor of Education Christy Irish won the Faculty Impact Award.
VACTE bestowed the honors at its spring conference held in early April at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland. From pre-service through veteran teachers, VACTE is a key voice for development and support in the teaching profession at the local, state and national levels.
“UMW is beyond proud that Sarah and Grace have been recognized by VACTE,” Irish said of her fellow award-winners. “They have excelled in their academics at Mary Washington, but moreover, they are now excelling as new teachers in the community. The College of Education looks forward to continuing to work side-by-side with them as they lead students in their own classrooms.” Read more.
UMW’s Woodard Hall is home to the College of Business. Photo by Norm Shafer.
The University of Mary Washington is recognized among the “Best Graduate Schools in America” by Money, earning a spot as one of 33 colleges nationwide in the “Best MBA Programs for Your Money” category for 2025.
Money’s annual ranking of post-baccalaureate programs helps students and professionals look at graduate schools through the lens of quality and value. The publication’s analysis considered quality and costs, with a focus on annual tuition and fees, debt burdens, employment rates and recent graduate salaries.
Mary Washington made the list for its master’s in business administration (MBA) program, earning four stars on a five-star scale. UMW was one of four Virginia colleges on the MBA list, all with four-star ratings. Other Virginia schools on Money’s list were James Madison University, Longwood University and the University of Virginia.
“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional value and quality we deliver to our MBA students,” said UMW College of Business Dean Filiz Tabak. “It highlights our commitment to providing a rigorous, relevant and affordable graduate business education.” Read more.
‘Scholar of the Year’ award winners Rylee Vann and Daphne Bobb (center) pose with fellow UMW Honors students at the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC) Conference.
University of Mary Washington senior Rylie Vann has poured plenty of passion into a double major, three capstone projects and an array of campus involvement. But a recent accolade took the peer mentor and campus radio deejay – set to earn degrees next month in communication and digital studies, as well as in theatre – to new heights.
“I got more emotional than I expected,” said Vann, who was named Scholar of the Year at last weekend’s 2025 Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC) Conference. “I hadn’t realized how much receiving this award meant to me until I was giving my acceptance speech. I felt honored to represent UMW.”
She and first-year Mary Washington student Daphne Bobb swept the top honors at the conference, held April 4 and 5 at Virginia State University in Petersburg. Bobb was named Emerging Scholar of the Year, marking the first time both awards went to students from the same institution. The accolades, each including a $500 cash prize, were reserved for the best and brightest honors students in Virginia and West Virginia who exemplify outstanding scholarship, integrity and leadership.
“These students embody the very spirit of our program – enthusiasm, determination and a drive to make a difference,” said UMW Honors Program Director Kelli Slunt, who’s also a professor of chemistry. “It was a privilege to see two of our own recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to enhancing their education.” Read more.
UMW dance group performs at the Multicultural Fair this past weekend on one of three main stages spread throughout the Fredericksburg campus.
Over 20 different musical groups, dance troupes and cultural acts took the stage at the University of Mary Washington’s Multicultural Fair this past weekend, showcasing their talents across three main stages spread throughout the Fredericksburg campus.
Among the largest events the University hosts each year, the fair attracted thousands of attendees. Stretching as far as the eye could see along Campus Walk and Ball Circle – performers, vendors, information tables, food trucks and children’s activities were on display.
Now in its 35th year, the event was presented by the University’s James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC), in close collaboration with UMW student organizations, campus partners, faculty and staff, and the Fredericksburg community. The event was free and open to the public with food and crafts available for purchase.
“It’s wonderful each year to welcome such amazing international talent and craftsmanship to the beautiful UMW campus,” said JFMC Director Marion Sanford. “We are excited, not just about the variety of ethnic vendors and performers, but to continue our long tradition of bringing a global experience close to home.” Read more.
The UMW team poses with a new homeowner in front of the house they helped build her. (L-R: Veda Salazar, Ian Frazier, Aloysious Kabonge, Chloe Jones, Paris Jones, the new homeowner, Walter Parks, UMW Advisor Lindsey Coates-Crawford, Alton Guinn, Faye McKenzie).
University of Mary Washington students swapped their textbooks and schoolwork for hammers, nails and paintbrushes this spring break, heading to Goose Creek, South Carolina.
The UMW Alternative Service Break (ASB) trip was part of Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge, which calls on college students nationwide to volunteer over spring break to support the non-profit’s mission to build, rehabilitate and repair homes in local communities and around the world.
Packed with activities aimed at improving substandard housing and aiding impoverished areas, the week-long trip began with work at the Habitat ReStore donation center and ended with handing a set of keys to a new homeowner.
“These students have heart, and we need more of that in the world,” said Lindsey Coates-Crawford ’18, public programs coordinator for UMW’s James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, who served as trip advisor. “Their level of commitment and love for the cause was inspiring. When work was suspended one day due to severe weather, they were genuinely disappointed they couldn’t continue. I know this week will stick with us forever.” Read more.